Some hitches on arms surrender remain: Oli

As summit-level talks continue between Maoists and the seven-party alliance on Nepal’s future, Nepal’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister K P Sharma Oli, on a goodwill visit to India, spoke on the sidelines of a CII function on the issue of the Maoists laying down arms and the future of the monarchy in Nepal.

What is the status of negotiations between Maoists and the seven-party alliance? How long, before an agreement is signed on laying down of arms?

I cannot give a time-frame. The peace process is about to reach its logical conclusion. From early Tuesday morning, the two parties are sitting in Katmandu and trying to harmonise the entire position. Differences have narrowed down but there are small technical problems that I can’t go into at this point. They need to be resolved. All major issues have been resolved.

What are the specifics on the issue of Maoists laying down their arms?

There will be seven camps where arms will be collected. The collected weapons will be monitored by the UN. Many devices like CCTVs will be installed to protect the godowns. There will be a seal of the UN on the locks and there will be electronic devices and cameras.

What kind of discussions has taken place on the future of the monarchy?

The decision on the monarchy will be taken by a popular vote. More than 95% of the population will vote against the monarchy. The question is whether to have a monarchy or not. There are political leaders in Nepal who support the king.

Maoist leader Prachanda will be traveling to India soon. Does the government have any problems with his visit?We have no problems. We have accepted the Maoists as a political party.

What role can India play now to help Nepal and what is the way forward?

India supports the seven-party alliance and wants to see that democracy and permanent peace established in Nepal. For Nepal, the way forward is through economic development. I can assure you that there is a conducive atmosphere for investment in Nepal. We are at a point where the situation will be changed fundamentally. A new Nepal needs ambitious economic plan. We intend to set a $5 billion trade target for the next five years instead of the $2 billion target.

Will the seven-party alliance fight the elections for the assembly together?